When people hear the term "private investigation agency," they usually associate it with infidelity investigations, marital issues, and especially "grabbing the monkey" — a phrase that's become so common in daily life that the moment someone mentions a third party in a relationship, "grabbing the monkey" immediately comes to mind.

But what exactly does the "monkey" in "grabbing the monkey" refer to? Today, let Yitong Private Investigation Agency take you through the story behind this phrase, explain its origins, and introduce the costs and methods private investigators use for catching cheaters!

What Does "Grabbing the Monkey" Mean? Understanding Its Taiwanese Roots and Origin

The term "抓猴" (pronounced Lia Kau in Taiwanese) literally means "catching the monkey," but it actually refers to catching someone committing adultery. Before diving into the origin of this phrase, it's worth asking: why do people use monkeys to refer to cheating lovers, instead of any other animal? What did monkeys do to deserve this association?

Why did people start using "monkey" to represent illicit relationships? The answer can be traced back to the old practice known as "牽猴" (leading a monkey). In the past, street performers would place a rope around a monkey and lead it into the performance area. Over time, this act of leading a monkey was metaphorically extended to describe improper or immoral relationships between a man and a woman.

In the patriarchal societies of the past, relationships were typically male-dominated. As a result, the "monkey" in this context often referred specifically to the male adulterer, and the act of catching someone in the act of infidelity came to be known as "grabbing the monkey."

There’s another explanation as well: in folk beliefs, monkeys were thought to have an overly active sexual nature, as male and female monkeys often engaged in sexual behavior. Because of this, people viewed monkeys as a symbol of promiscuity and began using them as a metaphor for unfaithful lovers.

As a result, the term "grabbing the monkey" became a common way to refer to the act of catching someone who is married or committed but engaged in an illicit sexual relationship.

Catching a Cheater — How Do Private Investigators Do It?

When one partner in a relationship is suspected of having an affair, it is highly recommended that the betrayed spouse hire a professional and legally certified private investigation agency to conduct an infidelity investigation. The most fundamental skill in catching a cheater is surveillance — discreetly following the target without being noticed and showing up at every potential location where the affair might take place.

However, surveillance is far from as simple as it sounds! To ensure success, investigators first gather detailed information from the client about the target’s daily routine and usual routes. Whenever possible, a GPS tracker is discreetly installed to avoid the need for constant tailing, which could easily raise suspicion.

This approach allows investigators to monitor the target’s whereabouts in real-time, and to immediately detect any deviation from their usual routine. When suspicious behavior is observed, the investigator can rush to the potential affair location and notify the client, seizing the perfect moment to catch the cheating in progress and capture crucial photographic evidence.

(Recommended Reading: How Do Private Investigators Conduct Surveillance? Learn the Basics in Just 3 Minutes!)

How Much Does It Cost to Catch a Cheater? Are Private Investigation Services Expensive?

When it comes to catching someone in the act, once investigators confirm that the subject and a third party have entered a potential location where infidelity is highly likely to occur, they will contact the client and, if necessary, coordinate with the police to expose the affair. Here’s a breakdown of the typical fees for such operations:

However, investigating an infidelity case isn’t just about the final "catching in the act" fee. Before that, professional investigators must conduct background checks, surveillance, and evidence collection — all of which require skilled personnel.

If the person under investigation is involved with more than one affair partner, or if the meeting times and locations are deliberately and frequently changed, the complexity of the case increases, which may lead to additional investigation fees.

After catching the cheater, if you are considering divorce or other legal actions, Yitong Private Investigation Agency’s legal consultants are available to assist you with follow-up legal procedures (such as civil lawsuits or divorce arrangements) to help you resolve the matter smoothly.

(Recommended Reading: Facing Divorce After Infidelity — Must You Accept It Blindly? Understand Your Rights and Use the Law to Protect Yourself.)

Recommended Investigation Agency for Catching Monkeys: Yitong Investigation Agency

Yitong Investigation Agency has been in business for nearly 40 years, with professional investigators and advanced technology. Throughout every investigation process, we regularly update clients on case progress. Moreover, our case resolution rate is among the highest in the industry. We focus not only on the investigation itself but also offer free legal consultations to clients who wish to pursue legal action, divorce lawsuits, or divorce property agreements after the case is closed. We are here to help you resolve life’s challenges!